Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty Italian classic, brought to life with the convenience of an Instant Pot. Featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Why This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Is the Best
- Tender Chicken: The Instant Pot ensures that the chicken is cooked to tender perfection, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
- Rich Tomato Sauce: The sauce is thick and flavorful, made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of wine for depth.
- Vegetable Medley: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add texture and layers of flavor to the dish.
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while maintaining the dish’s authentic taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect choice. The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): The bone and skin add flavor and richness to the sauce, while the thighs stay tender in the Instant Pot.
- Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables, adding depth and richness to the dish.
- Mushrooms, Celery, Onion, and Garlic: These classic cacciatore vegetables create a savory base with aromatic depth.
- Stewed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: The tomatoes provide acidity, and the paste intensifies the tomato flavor, making the sauce hearty and rich.
- Herbes de Provence: A blend of thyme, rosemary, and other herbs, this seasoning adds an earthy, aromatic note to the dish.
- Water and Chicken Bouillon Cubes: The bouillon and water create a flavorful broth for the chicken to simmer in.
- Red Pepper Flakes and Black Pepper: These add a mild kick of heat and spice, balancing the rich flavors in the sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables.
- Sauté for Flavor: Sauté the chicken and vegetables in the Instant Pot to build a rich flavor base before pressure cooking.
- Deglaze the Pot: Use chicken broth or wine to deglaze the pot after sautéing, incorporating all the flavorful bits.
- Season Generously: Season the sauce with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for a robust Italian flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Pasta: Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of pasta for a classic Italian meal.
- With Rice: Pair it with steamed white or brown rice for a complete dinner.
- With Crusty Bread: Enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect complement to the rich sauce.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Tender, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs, mushrooms, and a hint of spice. This classic Italian-inspired dish is quick to prepare in the Instant Pot and is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 6 ounce bone-in chicken thighs, with skin
- 1 4 ounce package sliced fresh mushrooms
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14 ounce can stewed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp herbes de Provence
- ¾ cup water
- 3 cubes chicken bouillon crumbled
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes Opt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste Opt
Instructions
- Start by gathering all ingredients.
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Set an electric pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot) to Sauté mode and heat the oil in the pot. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping the drippings in the pot.
- Add the mushrooms, celery, and onion to the pot, cooking and stirring until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot, then add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle with herbes de Provence, then pour in the water and add the bouillon.
- Securely close and lock the lid. Select high pressure, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build, then cook for 10 minutes.
- Carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method as directed by the manufacturer, which should take about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid, tilting it away from you. Check the chicken for doneness; an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165°F (74°C). Adjust seasoning to taste with red pepper flakes and black pepper.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, take out the chicken and switch the cooker to Sauté mode to bring the sauce to a boil. Let it cook until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.
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Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore